HVAC Maintenance Archives - Page 2 of 2

5 HVAC Troubleshooting Tips You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

Written by Elevated Comfort on September 14, 2022. Posted in HVAC Maintenance, HVAC Services. No Comments on 5 HVAC Troubleshooting Tips You’ll Wish You Knew Sooner

If you’re like most people, you probably only think about your home’s or office’s HVAC system when it’s not working properly. And that’s a shame, because knowing a few simple troubleshooting tips can save you a lot of time and money. Here at Elevated Comfort, we’ve seen almost every HVAC issue imaginable. So we wanted to share with our readers some of the most common problems we see, as well as how to fix them. Keep reading for 5 HVAC troubleshooting tips you’ll wish you knew sooner!

What Is HVAC Troubleshooting?

HVAC troubleshooting is the process of diagnosing and resolving problems with your home’s or office’s heating, ventilation, and air conditioning (HVAC) system. It can be as simple as cleaning a dirty filter or checking to see if a fuse has blown. Or it could be more complex, like replacing a faulty compressor.

Why Is HVAC Troubleshooting Important?

Most people only think about their HVAC system when it’s not working properly. But taking the time to learn some basic troubleshooting tips can save you a lot of money in the long run. By being proactive and addressing small issues before they become big ones, you can avoid costly repairs down the road.

Plus, knowing how to troubleshoot your HVAC system can help you avoid calling in a professional every time something goes wrong. While there are some issues that definitely require the expertise of an HVAC contractor, many common problems can be fixed by homeowners themselves.

HVAC Troubleshooting vs HVAC Maintenance

Before we dive into the specific troubleshooting tips, it’s important to understand the difference between troubleshooting and preventive maintenance. Troubleshooting is only necessary when there’s an issue with your HVAC system, whereas preventive maintenance should be performed on a regular basis regardless of whether or not there are any problems.

Preventive HVAC maintenance helps to ensure that your system is running efficiently and can help prevent small issues from turning into big ones. It’s always best to consult with an HVAC professional about how often you should be performing preventive maintenance on your particular system. Now that we’ve got that straightened out, let’s take a look at some specific HVAC troubleshooting tips.

HVAC Troubleshooting: How to DIY Basic Diagnostics

If your HVAC system isn’t working properly, the first thing you should do is check for simple solutions. Sometimes, the problem can be as simple as a blown fuse or a dirty filter. If that’s the case, simply performing some basic HVAC housekeeping can save you the time and expense of calling a professional HVAC repair company like Elevated Comfort.

Tip #1: Check the Filters

One of the most common causes of HVAC problems is dirty filters. If you don’t change your filters regularly, they can become clogged with dust and debris, which can lead to reduced airflow and decreased efficiency. Additionally, dirty filters can cause a build-up of mold and mildew, which can be harmful to your health. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to check your filters regularly and replace them when necessary.

#2: Inspect the Wiring

Another common cause of HVAC issues is faulty wiring. Over time, wires can become loose or damaged, which can lead to shorts and other problems. These shorts can cause the system to overheat, which can lead to serious damage. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to inspect your wiring regularly and have any damaged or loose wires repaired or replaced by a professional.

Tip #3: Clean the Coils

Coils are an important part of your HVAC system, and they need to be kept clean in order for the system to work properly. Dust and debris can build up on the coils over time, causing them to become clogged. This can lead to reduced airflow and decreased efficiency. To prevent this from happening, it’s important to clean your coils regularly. You can do this yourself with a brush or vacuum, or you can hire a professional to do it for you.

Tip #4: Check the Refrigerant Levels

Refrigerant is an important part of your HVAC system, and it needs to be at the proper level in order for the system to work properly. If the refrigerant level is too low, it can cause the system to overheat and break down. If the refrigerant level is too high, it can cause the system to freeze up and stop working. To prevent either of these from happening, it’s important to check the refrigerant levels regularly and have them adjusted by a professional if necessary.

Tip #5: Get a Professional Inspection

Even if you’re regularly maintaining your HVAC system and doing your best to keep it running smoothly, there’s still a chance that something could go wrong. That’s why it’s always a good idea to have a professional inspection once a year. During an inspection, a technician will thoroughly examine your system and look for any potential problems. If they find anything, they’ll be able to fix it before it becomes a bigger issue.

When HVAC Troubleshooting Isn’t Enough

So you’ve tried everything on our list, and your HVAC system still isn’t working right? Sounds like it’s time to call in the professionals! The experienced technicians here at Elevated Comfort have seen it all when it comes to HVAC systems, and we’re ready to help you get yours back up and running. We serve homeowners and commercial property owners in Santa Rosa, CA, and throughout Northern California. We hope you found this list of HVAC troubleshooting tips helpful! Remember, if you ever have any questions or need assistance with your HVAC system, don’t hesitate to give us a call. We’re always happy to help!

7 Signs You Need Professional Air Duct Cleaning

Written by Elevated Comfort on August 4, 2022. Posted in Air Duct Cleaning, Air Quality, HVAC Maintenance, HVAC Services, Indoor Air Quality. No Comments on 7 Signs You Need Professional Air Duct Cleaning

Anyone who’s ever had their air ducts cleaned knows that it’s a seriously dusty job. Not just a little dusty, but enough dust to make you sneeze and cough for days afterwards. If you’re seeing signs that professional air duct cleaning might be in your near future, read on. We’ve put together a list of seven signs that you need to call in the pros. Keep an eye out for any of these indicators, and don’t wait too long – the sooner you get your air ducts cleaned, the better!

When Is It Time for Professional Air Duct Cleaning?

The most common indicator that you need professional air duct cleaning is air quality problems that cause respiratory issues, such as sneezing, coughing, and difficulty breathing. If you or anyone in your family is having these kinds of problems and you can’t seem to find the source, it might be time to call in a professional. Another sign that you need air duct cleaning is if there’s visible mold growth inside the ductwork. This is a serious problem because mold can cause respiratory issues and other health problems. If you see mold, don’t try to clean it yourself – call a professional immediately.

If your heating and cooling system seems to be working overtime, that could be a sign that your ductwork is full of dirt and debris. When the system has to work harder to move air through the ducts, it uses more energy and your utility bills go up. If you have any concerns about the air quality in your home, it’s a good idea to get your ductwork cleaned by a professional. Air duct cleaning is a relatively quick and easy process that can make a big difference in the quality of the air you breathe. Let’s take a deeper look at these seven reasons for professional air duct cleaning.

Hire a Professional Air Duct Cleaner for Double-Digit Homes

If your home is more than 10 years old, it’s likely time for a professional duct cleaning. The older your home is, the more likely it is that your ducts need to be cleaned. Over time, dust and other debris can build up in your ductwork, making it more difficult for your heating and cooling system to do its job. A professional air duct cleaning can remove all the dirt and debris from your ductwork, improving the quality of the air you breathe and making your heating and cooling system run more efficiently.

Recent Renovations? You Need Professional Air Duct Cleaning

If you’ve recently had renovations done to your home, a duct cleaning is a good idea. Construction dust and debris can get into your ducts and cause them to become dirty. A professional duct cleaning will remove all the dirt, dust and debris from your ductwork, leaving it clean and fresh. This is especially important because leftover construction debris can contain different, more dangerous particles than run-of-the-mill dust.

Pet Dander Dangers and Sick Building Syndrome

If you have pets, you should have your ducts cleaned every year. Pet hair and dander can build up in your ducts over time and cause allergies or asthma symptoms. In addition, if you have a cat that scratches furniture or urinates in your home, these particles can end up in your ductwork and cause an unpleasant smell. If you work in an office, you may have heard of sick building syndrome (SBS). This is when people who work or live in a building experience health problems that are thought to be caused by the environment they share. If the ducts in your home or office are full of dust and debris, it’s possible that this could be contributing to SBS symptoms.

Professional Duct Cleaning Reduces Asthma

If you have allergies or asthma, regular duct cleanings are recommended. Allergens and asthma triggers can collect in your ducts over time and cause problems for people with respiratory allergies or asthma. Dust, pollen, mold spores, and other airborne contaminants can build up in your ducts over time, causing the air you breathe to be less clean. A professional duct cleaning will remove these triggers from your environment, providing relief for allergy and asthma sufferers.

Smoke and Soot Demand Pro Duct Cleaning

Duct cleaning is also important if you smoke or have a fireplace. Smoke and soot from cigarettes or fires can accumulate in your ducts over time and cause air quality problems. A professional duct cleaning will remove these contaminants from your environment, improving the air you breathe. Dirty ducts can also be a fire hazard. Soot and debris can build up in your ducts and block the flow of air. This can create a fire hazard in your home. A professional duct cleaning will remove this risk by removing the soot and debris from your ducts.

Get Professional Duct Cleaning for Better Energy Bills

Duct cleaning can improve the efficiency of your heating and cooling system. Dirty ducts can lead to decreased airflow and increased energy usage. A professional duct cleaning will remove the dirt and debris from your ducts, allowing your system to run more efficiently. This can lead to lower energy bills for you while your system enjoys a well-earned break and your family thrives in a healthier environment.

Duct Maintenance Matters

Duct cleaning is an important part of preventive maintenance for your home. By having your ducts cleaned on a regular basis, you can help keep your home healthy and comfortable year-round. In addition to improved airflow and energy efficiency, regular duct cleaning can also help extend the life of your heating and cooling system. You should have your ducts cleaned at least once every few years. While duct cleaning is important, it’s only one part of maintaining a healthy home. Be sure to also keep up with other preventive maintenance tasks like changing your furnace filter regularly and scheduling annual tune-ups.

Why Choose Elevated Comfort for Professional Air Duct Cleaning?

Cleaning the ducts in your home or office is not a do-it-yourself job. It requires special equipment and training to do it properly. Duct cleaning professionals have the right equipment to clean all types of ductwork, including flexible ducts used in many modern buildings. They also know how to use this equipment safely and effectively to avoid damaging your ducts or harming themselves. Elevated Comfort technicians have decades of combined experience to put to use for you, so get your free estimate today!

HVAC Maintenance Tips: 5 Spring Cleaning Practices

Written by Elevated Comfort on March 21, 2022. Posted in HVAC Maintenance. No Comments on HVAC Maintenance Tips: 5 Spring Cleaning Practices

Now that spring is in full swing, it’s time to start thinking about implementing HVAC maintenance tips. Many people wait until the summer heat sets in to address any issues with their HVAC system, but this can be a huge mistake. If you want to keep your home or business cool and comfortable all season long, it’s important to perform some routine maintenance tasks now (as well as hiring a professional HVAC contractor like Elevated Comfort for tasks that go beyond simple spring cleaning). In this blog post, we will discuss five spring cleaning practices that will help keep your HVAC system running smoothly!

These HVAC Maintenance Tips Keep Your System in Shape

While HVAC maintenance may seem like a tedious and meaningless task, studies show that regular maintenance on your HVAC equipment can reduce energy bills by up to 30 percent and extend equipment lifespans by years. With HVAC maintenance tips from experts like the technicians at Elevated Comfort, you can save money in the short-term and the long run alike.

5 HVAC Maintenance Tips for Spring

When the weather starts to warm up and the days grow longer, it’s time to start thinking about HVAC maintenance. Spring is the perfect time of year to give your HVAC system a little TLC while you spruce up your home or business in the spirit of spring cleaning. Dust, debris, and more can build up in several areas of an HVAC system, and a simple, thorough, end-to-end cleaning can stop future problems in their tracks. For equipment maintenance that goes beyond cleaning, a licensed contractor like Elevated Comfort can help keep your system running smoother, longer, and leaner. Check out our top five spring HVAC maintenance tips below.

Clean Equipment

One of the most important HVAC maintenance tips is to keep your equipment clean. This includes both the inside and outside of your HVAC unit. Over time, dust and dirt can build up on the coils and other components, which can reduce efficiency and lead to breakdowns. To clean your HVAC unit, simply use a soft brush or cloth to remove any debris from the surface.

Change Filter

Another important HVAC maintenance tip is to change your air filter regularly. Depending on the type of filter you have, you may need to change it every month or two. A dirty air filter can restrict airflow and cause your HVAC system to work harder than necessary, which can lead to higher energy bills and inefficient cooling.

Clean Ducts

Another HVAC maintenance practice to consider is cleaning your ducts. Over time, dust and debris can accumulate in your ductwork, which can reduce airflow and lead to poor indoor air quality. To clean your ducts, you can hire a professional or do it yourself using a vacuum with a brush attachment. However, for severe duct blockages and damage, a call to an HVAC professional like Elevated Comfort is a necessity to prevent further costly repairs.

Clear Drainage

If your HVAC unit has an internal drain, it’s important to clear it out on a regular basis. Otherwise, water can build up and cause damage to the unit. To clear the drain, simply flush it with a garden hose or use a wet/dry vac to remove any debris. For clogs that can’t be worked out or a damaged drain, we recommend contacting a professional as their training and experience can address a small concern quickly and effectively before it turns into an expensive repair at best or an even-more-expensive system replacement at worst.

Schedule Equipment Maintenance

Finally, one of the best HVAC maintenance tips is to schedule regular equipment maintenance with a licensed, experienced HVAC technician. The technicians at Elevated Comfort have years of training, experience, and knowledge that streamlines the maintenance process and ensures that no mistakes are made. In fact, we guarantee our work.

Call Elevated Comfort for Spring HVAC Maintenance

Elevated Comfort has been serving the Northern California area for years, with the integrity and reputation you would expect from a local community touchstone. We offer a routine maintenance membership program to help you make sure HVAC maintenance doesn’t slip through the cracks for busy business people and homeowners. Schedule your spring maintenance service today, and put these HVAC maintenance tips to use as you prepare for lower energy costs, better airflow, and elevated comfort.